Joe O'Brien

JOSEPH "JOE&" O"BRIENMr. Joseph "Joe&" Junior O"Brien, 85, a long-time resident of Atlantic, died Tuesday morning, February 12th, 2008 at the Heritage House in Atlantic. The son of John Joseph and Mable (Gravett) O"Brien, he was born June 30, 1922 in Omaha, Nebraska. He attended and graduated from the Omaha Public School System. He was married to Doris Freeberg on October 6, 1945 in Omaha. He and his family moved to Atlantic in 1954, where they operated a local tavern until 1972. He was also a 58 year member of Iron Workers Local Union No. 21, Omaha, NE and spent 38 years as an iron worker. Joe retired in 1985.Joe was a Boatswain"s Mate First Class in the United States Navy from July 2, 1940 to July 1, 1946. He served in WWII as a deep sea diver and continued to serve in the Navy Reserve until 1951. While serving he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.He was a member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 4th Degree Member of Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Board Member of the Atlantic Food Pantry, Founding Member of the Cass County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and past member of the Atlantic Elks Club. Joe was very committed to community activities and volunteered delivering meals on wheels, distributing food at the Food Pantry and was recognized as a frequent and outstanding blood donor. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and was a proud supporter of Atlantic athletics and enjoyed watching and supporting his children and grandchildren"s various sporting events.Surviving Joe are his children Mary Jo Thielen (Phil), Denise (Larry Harris), Jacinta Ahrens, John (Gina), Mark (Trish), Tim (Chris), Jay (Kristy) and Laurine Price; eighteen grandchildren, Mike Thielen, Jori Powers (Jimmy), Jen Holoch (Dave), Briana Harris Mayle (Kevin), Trevor Harris (Emily), Caia Harris, Lisa Hoopla, Alysun O"Brien, Sean O"Brien, Chris O"Brien (Kelly), Jason O"Brien (Beth), Kolby O"Brien, Jennifer O"Brien, Krista O"Brien, Sierra O"Brien, Kyler O"Brien, Michala Price, Joey Price; 10 great-grandchildren, Grace, Flynn and Reef Powers, Molly Harris, Mackenzie and Madison Reese, Brody and Easton O"Brien and Tanner and Tyson O"Brien.He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Doris, a brother Jim, 1 grandchild and 2 great-grandchildren.Funeral InformationJoe"s Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, February 16th at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic with Father Dan Siepker officiating. The committal service will follow in the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Atlantic, Iowa. His family will meet with friends at 6:30 P.M. for a visitation on Friday evening, February 15th. A rosary will follow at 8:00 P.M. Roland Funeral Home of Atlantic, Iowa is caring for Joe"s family and arrangements. Condolences may be entered on the Roland web site, www.rolandfuneralservice.comIN REMEMBRANCE OFJOSEPH "JOE&" O"BRIENBorn June 30, 1922 ENTERED INTO REST February 12, 200885 years, 7 months, 12 daysVISITATION will be held Friday evening, February 15, from 6:30 with the rosary at 8:00.FUNERAL SERVICESaturday, February 16, 2008Ten Thirty O"clock A.M.SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church ~ Atlantic, IowaOFFICIATINGFather Dan Siepker and Father Val Peter (Boys Town)MUSICAL SELECTIONS"On Eagle"s Wings&""Amazing Grace&""Ave Maria&""Celtic Song of Farewell&""Let There be Peace on Earth&"ORGANIST ~ CANTOR Donna Muell Murial McCantsPALLBEARERS Mike Thielen Trevor Harris Sean O"Brien Chris O"Brien Jason O"Brien Kolby O"Brien Kyler O"Brien Joey PriceHONORARY PALLBEARERS Dick McCauley Norm Templeman Dale Rourick Don Sonntag Don Hart Vern Kinnison Pete SmithGIFT BEARERS Jori Powers Jen Holoch Briana Harris Mayle Caia Harris Alysun O"Brien Jennifer O"Brien Krista O"Brien Sierra O"Brien Michala Price FLOWER COMMITTEE Scott & Linda Waters Sherri Clark Jolene Mitchell Jack & Jo Beth Jensen Russ & Linda Joyce INTERMENTSS Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery ~ Atlantic, IowaMilitary Honors by Atlantic Color GuardLUNCHEONFollowing the interment, Joe"s family will join friends for a luncheon at the Parish Center.Donations may be made to The Family or Food Pantry